National PTA President Releases Statement on No Child Left Behind Flexibility Package

National PTA President, Betsy Landers, released the following statement on the Administration’s announcement of its package to provide ESEA flexibility

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (September 22, 2011) “No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is broken,” said National PTA President, Betsy Landers. “PTA continues to call on Congress to fix the law through the reauthorization process, and we applaud the Administration’s efforts to provide much-needed flexibility and temporary relief to states while that process is stalled. The flexibility package outlined by President Obama and Secretary Duncan will allow administrators to focus on the local and unique needs of our most troubled schools, support parents and families with meaningful accountability, and provide students with richer curricula.”

“National PTA believes this package promotes true partnership and collaborative decision-making in education reform; encouraging states and districts to engage with all stakeholders, including parents, in developing state plans and turning around failing schools,” said Landers.

“The pressure is mounting. Flaws in NCLB have our nation’s education system on the brink of crisis, and this flexibility package will pull us back from the edge,” said Landers. “We remain hopeful that Congress will correct these flaws and serve the long term interests of our nation’s students and families.”

About National PTANational PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.